NBA 2K26: 5 Underused Moves That Can Help You Get Around Defenders

NBA 2K has been around for over 20 years, with the addition of the Park coming in 2K14 and taking the series to a new level of popularity after getting great success from 2K11 to 2K13. From the Park, to MyPARK to The City, this feature has become a mainstay in the series as virtual hoops battle it out in streetball and Rec games.

I bring up The City/Park because, although scoring and playing defense are the main aspects of the game, many Park players focus on their dribble moves and how to get around defenders. Some do it just to not pass it to the open and waste time on the shot clock, while others use these moves to make the right play in the end and get quality buckets.

And sure, it’s mostly a Park thing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a thing in modes like Play Now, MyTEAM, or MyCAREER. Many of today’s NBA stars possess strong handles or triple-threat moves that are both dangerous and exciting to watch, and this includes the big men.

But, although handles are all the rage in NBA 2K26, there are still some moves that seem a bit underused. Some are dribble moves, some are triple-threat, and others are post moves. Here are some to consider adding to your arsenal on the court.

Triple-Threat Spin

This is one of those moves that anyone can do, no matter what kind of MyPLAYER build you have or his size in NBA 2K26. After receiving the ball and not dribbling, rotate the right stick clockwise or counterclockwise, and this will allow you to do the triple-threat spin.

It can be an effective way to catch defenders off guard who think you might start a dribble combo or are thinking about passing the ball. It seems like it’s even more effective when you get the ball in the corner and can break free from that spot and go baseline to the basket for an easy bucket.

Breakdown Combos

These used to be pretty popular in past NBA 2Ks, but they were still overshadowed by the quick back-and-forth dribbles, and that’s still the case today with NBA 2K26. But Breakdown Combos can help you get around defenders and possibly break their ankles, too.

To do the move in NBA 2K26, simply hold R2/RT and then pull up on the right stick, and then your MyPLAYER will automatically begin doing the animation. In the middle of the Breakdown Combo, go either left or right around your defender and get a bucket. Just make sure you have a Breakdown animation equipped for your MyPLAYER.

Drop Step

This is a post move that can be dangerous in NBA 2K26. After backing down your opponent, a drop step can shake a defender out of his shoes (cooked me a couple of times). And what’s scary is once you’re shook, it’s too late because the offensive player will be right at the basket for an easy dunk or layup.

This is not like breaking ankles on the perimeter and then firing up a three-pointer. Sure, shooting is easier in NBA 2K26 than last year, but a three isn’t guaranteed, a dunk at the rim almost always is, despite the weird misses that seem to happen. To do a drop step, back down your opponent, hold the left stick to the right or left as you move towards the basket, and then tap square/X to pull off the move.

Crossover Stepback Jumper

This one’s for the shooters in NBA 2K26. If you have a nice mid-range game, then you might like this one. A crossover stepback jumper allows you to gain separation from the defender and then immediately follow that up with a jumper.

As you’re moving either right or left by holding down R2/RT, keep that held down, and then move the right stick in the opposite direction that you’re going and keep that held down. You’ll end up doing a hesitation crossover and then step back and fire a fadaeway. It can be a little tricky to master at times, but it’s fun to do. Try it out at your MyCOURT and see how it feels.

Half Spin

I’m actually surprised more players aren’t doing this in NBA 2K26. The half spin is exactly what it says it is, as you stop mid-spin to go back the other way. It’s such a menacing move not only because it can throw defenders off, but also because of how it makes your MyPLAYER move. It’s almost like doing this gives you a mini speed boost on your way to the hoop.

To pull it off, move the right clockwise or counterclockwise, but do so halfway, and your MyPLAYER will perform the action, and you’ll have a clear look at the basket if your defender falls for it. It’s a really fun move to do, and it’s quite explosive. And once again, it works great for essentially any kind of build.